Costs of treating diabetes
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Costs of Treating Diabetes
Direct Medical Costs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
The financial burden of diabetes treatment in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is substantial and varies widely. A systematic review found that per-visit outpatient costs range from under $5 to over $40, with a median of $7. Annual inpatient costs range from approximately $10 to over $1000, with a median of $290. Laboratory costs per year range from under $5 to over $100, with a median of $25. Medication costs per year range from $15 to over $500, with a median of $177, showing significant variation, especially for insulin. The cost of managing complications is generally high but varies widely across countries and types of complications.
Cost-Effectiveness of Diabetes Management Interventions
Interventions to manage diabetes and its complications are generally cost-effective. A review of studies from high-income countries found that many American Diabetes Association (ADA)-recommended interventions are either cost-saving or very cost-effective. Cost-saving interventions include ACE inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy for intensive hypertension management, comprehensive foot care, and telemedicine for diabetic retinopathy screening. Very cost-effective interventions include intensive glycemic management, multicomponent interventions, and statin therapy for individuals with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease .
Economic Burden in Low and Lower-Middle Income Countries
In low and lower-middle-income countries, the annual average cost per person for treating type 2 diabetes ranges from $29.91 to $237.38. Direct costs range from $106.53 to $293.79, while indirect costs range from $1.92 to $73.4 per person per year. Hospitalization costs are the major contributor to direct costs, followed by drug costs. This economic burden significantly affects patients in these regions.
Lifetime Costs in High-Income Countries
In the U.S., the lifetime direct medical costs of treating type 2 diabetes and its complications are substantial. For men diagnosed at ages 25-44, the costs are $124,700, decreasing with age at diagnosis. For women, the costs are slightly higher, with $130,800 for those diagnosed at ages 25-44. On average, 53% of these costs are due to treating complications, with macrovascular complications accounting for 57% of the total complication cost.
Out-of-Pocket Costs for Patients
Out-of-pocket costs for patients with type 2 diabetes in the U.S. vary widely. Studies show a range from $143 to $2210 per year, with a mean cost of $2063 and a median cost of $435 per year. This variation is partly due to different definitions and measurements of out-of-pocket costs across studies.
Conclusion
The costs of treating diabetes are significant and vary widely depending on the region and type of intervention. In LMICs, the financial burden is substantial, with high costs for medications and complications. In high-income countries, many diabetes management interventions are cost-effective, but the lifetime costs remain high, particularly due to complications. Out-of-pocket costs for patients also show considerable variation, highlighting the need for consistent cost measurement methods. Addressing these financial challenges is crucial for improving diabetes care and achieving better health outcomes globally.
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